3. Clorox

Home products are one of the most underrated but consistent market segments. The Clorox Company (NYSE: CLX) is among a handful of companies that sell some of the most trusted consumer brands, including Clorox, Purell, Glad, Hidden Valley Ranch, Burt’s Bees, Brita, and Kingsford. These are products people tend to buy and use regardless of the economy, and they tend to buy these brands because they know them.

Clorox’s current dividend growth streak sits at 48 years, making it another soon-to-be Dividend King. Since the pandemic, Clorox has struggled with high costs and a cybersecurity breach. The stock price has tumbled, and the dividend yield is up to 5.2%. But Clorox still earns enough to cover its dividend, and the recent Gojo acquisition (Purell) should boost earnings growth.

4. Home Depot

Housing is one of the U.S. economy’s prominent consumer markets, which has helped make Home Depot (NYSE: HD) one of the world’s most successful retailers. People tend to invest in their homes, and that includes the maintenance and upkeep virtually every house needs. Home Depot stores blanket the United States, which has helped the company adapt to e-commerce by using its stores as a distribution network.

Home Depot returns much of its cash profits to shareholders through dividends and stock buybacks, a formula that has produced life-changing total investment returns over its lifetime. The stock is down right now due to a slow housing market and consumers struggling with rising living expenses. While housing may fluctuate, it’s arguably an evergreen market. Investors should look into buying the stock on its current dip.

5. Medtronic

Healthcare is another forever market. People always need care, and there’s an ongoing pursuit of newer and better ways to treat patients. Medtronic (NYSE: MDT) is one of the world’s leading healthcare companies, with a broad range of medical products and equipment across cardiovascular, neuroscience, and general surgery applications. Medtronic’s decades of success have made the stock a soon-to-be Dividend King, poised for its 50th consecutive annual dividend increase next year.

The company recently spun off its diabetes business segment as MiniMed to reignite growth and entered the robotics-assisted surgery market in the U.S. after its Hugo platform received FDA approval in December 2025. Shares offer a starting dividend yield of 3.5% and trade at less than 14 times 2026 earnings estimates. Analyst estimates of 6% to 7% annualized earnings growth over the coming years make Medtronic a bargain at this price.

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Justin Pope has positions in Clorox and McDonald’s. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Home Depot, Medtronic, and Realty Income. The Motley Fool recommends the following options: long January 2028 $320 calls on McDonald’s and short January 2028 $340 calls on McDonald’s. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

5 Best Dividend Stocks to Own in Case the AI Trade Ends was originally published by The Motley Fool